Eva Pasco's Blog, page 45
April 21, 2017
In Deep!
For this Indie author, there’s no turning back! Once I officially released my second novel in the genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ (September 2016) –it’s been full steam ahead to put my book in the public eye.
It all started with a full-feature story about my novel and me appearing in the “East Bay Life” section of every East Bay area newspaper in Rhode Island (October 20, 2016). Due to this article, I received a librarian’s invitation to speak and sign at the Barrington Public Library on January 18th.
Henceforth, I had the confidence to procure several more library author events on local turf. I also appeared on ‘An Hour with Bob,’ a popular Rhode Island-based Cable TV program, where I spoke in earnest on behalf of my book.
https://youtu.be/4JoF7aWEBt4
Author interviews and takeovers on social media! And, lately--I’m in deep, sinking money into book contests in the hope of garnering more publicity and adding to my novel’s brag tag lines whenever I post my daily book ads. Thus far, I’m able to interchange these with my purchase links:
1st out of 77 Books Set in Rhode Island (Goodreads)
Midwest 5-Star Review
Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal
ATAI (Authors Talk About It) 5-Star Badge
2017 Top Female Author Nominee (The Authors Show)
I do not intend to enter every contest, preferring to focus efforts on selling my book. Nevertheless, here are three competitions I’ve recently submitted my novel:
2017 International Book Awards (Postmark Deadline: April 30th)
http://www.internationalbookawards.co...
Golden Quill Award Contest (Open from April 1 – June 30)
http://www.goldenboxbooks.com/golden-...
Readers’ Favorite Annual Book Award Contest (Deadline – May 1st)
https://readersfavorite.com/annual-bo...
My sincere thanks to all of those Indie authors helping other Indies by reaching out without asking for one red cent to do so!
*If you've made it to the bottom of this blog, feel free to pay it forward by giving a shout out to a fellow Indie who selflessly goes the distance by offering a service.
It all started with a full-feature story about my novel and me appearing in the “East Bay Life” section of every East Bay area newspaper in Rhode Island (October 20, 2016). Due to this article, I received a librarian’s invitation to speak and sign at the Barrington Public Library on January 18th.
Henceforth, I had the confidence to procure several more library author events on local turf. I also appeared on ‘An Hour with Bob,’ a popular Rhode Island-based Cable TV program, where I spoke in earnest on behalf of my book.
https://youtu.be/4JoF7aWEBt4
Author interviews and takeovers on social media! And, lately--I’m in deep, sinking money into book contests in the hope of garnering more publicity and adding to my novel’s brag tag lines whenever I post my daily book ads. Thus far, I’m able to interchange these with my purchase links:
1st out of 77 Books Set in Rhode Island (Goodreads)
Midwest 5-Star Review
Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal
ATAI (Authors Talk About It) 5-Star Badge
2017 Top Female Author Nominee (The Authors Show)
I do not intend to enter every contest, preferring to focus efforts on selling my book. Nevertheless, here are three competitions I’ve recently submitted my novel:
2017 International Book Awards (Postmark Deadline: April 30th)
http://www.internationalbookawards.co...
Golden Quill Award Contest (Open from April 1 – June 30)
http://www.goldenboxbooks.com/golden-...
Readers’ Favorite Annual Book Award Contest (Deadline – May 1st)
https://readersfavorite.com/annual-bo...
My sincere thanks to all of those Indie authors helping other Indies by reaching out without asking for one red cent to do so!
*If you've made it to the bottom of this blog, feel free to pay it forward by giving a shout out to a fellow Indie who selflessly goes the distance by offering a service.
April 14, 2017
Renewal
The meaning of Easter is that of a new covenant, while signs of Spring awaken longings for a new beginning. It’s been a year since I submitted the manuscript of my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ for publication.
Just as I did last year for my extended family at our Easter gathering, I will bake Quiche Simone in accordance with the recipe provided in the epilogue of my novel where an heirloom quiche recipe and baking rivalry resurrect the past, reconcile irreversible misfortunes in the present, and redefine the future.
Just how do I plan to redefine or renew my future via book marketing strategies?
Keeping the faith by moving forward with investing time and/or money to foster a belief in my book.
1 – This week I entered my novel in the Golden Quill Award contest:
http://tinyurl.com/kpo988h2
2 – On May 1st, my femme fatale protagonist, Augusta Bergeron, will be featured at The Slick Writing Corner’s “Interview with the Stars”! A shout out to fellow Indie author, Tabi Slick, who goes all out for her unique Facebook events.
3- I submitted my book for another Goodreads Giveaway (May 1st – 31st), whereby US residents are eligible to enter this contest for the chance to win a signed paperback.
4- I’m keeping my eyes peeled on social media for promotional prospects via author interviews, takeover events, and writing contests.
May every Indie author find a lucrative prospect to renew the faith in perpetuating a dream.
Just as I did last year for my extended family at our Easter gathering, I will bake Quiche Simone in accordance with the recipe provided in the epilogue of my novel where an heirloom quiche recipe and baking rivalry resurrect the past, reconcile irreversible misfortunes in the present, and redefine the future.
Just how do I plan to redefine or renew my future via book marketing strategies?
Keeping the faith by moving forward with investing time and/or money to foster a belief in my book.
1 – This week I entered my novel in the Golden Quill Award contest:
http://tinyurl.com/kpo988h2
2 – On May 1st, my femme fatale protagonist, Augusta Bergeron, will be featured at The Slick Writing Corner’s “Interview with the Stars”! A shout out to fellow Indie author, Tabi Slick, who goes all out for her unique Facebook events.
3- I submitted my book for another Goodreads Giveaway (May 1st – 31st), whereby US residents are eligible to enter this contest for the chance to win a signed paperback.
4- I’m keeping my eyes peeled on social media for promotional prospects via author interviews, takeover events, and writing contests.
May every Indie author find a lucrative prospect to renew the faith in perpetuating a dream.
April 7, 2017
Saturation Point!
Incidentally, while composing this Blog to document my thoughts pertaining to an Indie author’s life in real time—the local grounds have reached their saturation point! Under siege from heavy rain, the disastrous effects of extensive ponding on roads and the minor flooding of four major rivers have occurred. In fact, a Flood Watch is active for all of southern New England!
As I ponder weak and weary through dreary prospects to increase exposure for my second novel with the intent to procure book sales, I am on the verge of succumbing to the floods infiltrating Indie turf:
1 – Facebook Author Takeover Events
On any given day, thousands of people receive multiple invites to attend one or more of these, whereby the hosting author will post a variety of engaging threads pertaining to his/her book. Games, giveaways, and contests are an integral part. I’ve hosted a minimum of three so far. While I believe the saturation point dilutes their effectiveness, I’m in no position to turn my back on them.
In fact, I’m currently participating in these events:
Read Self-Published Month – My book (‘An Enlightening Quiche’ - Contemporary Women’s Fiction is specifically featured on April 9th.
http://megancutler.net/read-self-publ...
I’ve pinned my hopes on the 3rd Annual “Brain to Books Cyber & Book Expo” (April 7 – 9) - a single three-day event stretched across the internet for 72 non-stop hours! This EPIC event is for READERS on a quest for Indie and Trad authors whose books have yet to be discovered and devoured! My book is featured in the Romance genre. Tags: Author Showcase, Book Expo.
Events by genre: http://b2bcycon.com/events-by-genre/
2 – FB Promo Groups
These author-friendly advertising sites are saturated with individual ads running rampant 24 hrs. /day. Personally gauging their effectiveness, or lack thereof—my universal book link to Amazon indicates I’m lucky to receive 1 or 2 hits, if that, on a daily basis. Yet, it doesn’t stop me from posting an ad in four such promo groups every morning. In my quest to stand out, I reinvent the wheel by composing a unique ad for each day’s run down the pike.
Just as there is a silver lining forecasted for this weekend with increasing sunshine and milder temperatures, I intend on persevering to rise above the floodplains, come hell or high water!
As I ponder weak and weary through dreary prospects to increase exposure for my second novel with the intent to procure book sales, I am on the verge of succumbing to the floods infiltrating Indie turf:
1 – Facebook Author Takeover Events
On any given day, thousands of people receive multiple invites to attend one or more of these, whereby the hosting author will post a variety of engaging threads pertaining to his/her book. Games, giveaways, and contests are an integral part. I’ve hosted a minimum of three so far. While I believe the saturation point dilutes their effectiveness, I’m in no position to turn my back on them.
In fact, I’m currently participating in these events:
Read Self-Published Month – My book (‘An Enlightening Quiche’ - Contemporary Women’s Fiction is specifically featured on April 9th.
http://megancutler.net/read-self-publ...
I’ve pinned my hopes on the 3rd Annual “Brain to Books Cyber & Book Expo” (April 7 – 9) - a single three-day event stretched across the internet for 72 non-stop hours! This EPIC event is for READERS on a quest for Indie and Trad authors whose books have yet to be discovered and devoured! My book is featured in the Romance genre. Tags: Author Showcase, Book Expo.
Events by genre: http://b2bcycon.com/events-by-genre/
2 – FB Promo Groups
These author-friendly advertising sites are saturated with individual ads running rampant 24 hrs. /day. Personally gauging their effectiveness, or lack thereof—my universal book link to Amazon indicates I’m lucky to receive 1 or 2 hits, if that, on a daily basis. Yet, it doesn’t stop me from posting an ad in four such promo groups every morning. In my quest to stand out, I reinvent the wheel by composing a unique ad for each day’s run down the pike.
Just as there is a silver lining forecasted for this weekend with increasing sunshine and milder temperatures, I intend on persevering to rise above the floodplains, come hell or high water!
March 31, 2017
On Second Thought...
In hindsight I now have the foresight of harboring second thoughts to act upon them in my capacity as an Indie author.
1 – I have declined to rerun a paid promo ad for the third 6th-week cycle with The Fussy Librarian or any other former venues such as PeopleReads or eBookSoda. Why? Colonel Slade in ‘Scent of a Woman’ said it best—“I’m in the dark here!” Meaning, because I’m one of those hybrid self-published authors who engaged an independent publisher, I do not have access to daily sales reports at Amazon to gauge the efficiency of this marketing strategy. Instead, I receive my royalty statements on a monthly basis where the royalty earnings period on the statement is always two months behind the royalty processing date. Plus, my Kindle Edition retailing for $3.95 can’t compete with those featured for $.99 or Free.
2 – I am kicking myself for having paid the $35 fee to join a local author guild this past February. I chose to do so because I felt an organization of this scope would have more clout in procuring book signings on my turf. They do—to the tune of signing up for lottery drawings based on the number of available tables, and then paying $25 if your name is chosen. From past experience in having booked solo library author events on my own, as well as a group library signing without paying a fee—I’ve often left the premises without a single book sale. It’s cost prohibitive for me to sacrifice money and time on a gamble.
Nyuk, nyuk—I did indicate that I’m going to the upcoming 5th Annual Rhode Island Author Expo 2017 in December. Admission is free! On second thought, the annual fee might be worth it in the long run.
Regardless, I have second thoughts about attending the monthly meetings which are held late in the evening at a location requiring considerable travel in darkness through an area I’m not familiar with. I don’t go out on a limb to put myself in harm’s way.
There are days I have second thoughts, questioning my own sanity for biting off more than I can chew. Primarily, trying to achieve the noble goal of wading through my TBR pile to read/review books written by fellow Indies. So much temptation to acquire even more too!
On second thought, my life has been immensely enriched by all of the diverse Indie books I’ve read and have yet to open during the remains of the day. No doubt about it, whatsoever!
Hindsight with foresight pertaining to marketing strategies from the perspective of “been there, done that”!
1 – I have declined to rerun a paid promo ad for the third 6th-week cycle with The Fussy Librarian or any other former venues such as PeopleReads or eBookSoda. Why? Colonel Slade in ‘Scent of a Woman’ said it best—“I’m in the dark here!” Meaning, because I’m one of those hybrid self-published authors who engaged an independent publisher, I do not have access to daily sales reports at Amazon to gauge the efficiency of this marketing strategy. Instead, I receive my royalty statements on a monthly basis where the royalty earnings period on the statement is always two months behind the royalty processing date. Plus, my Kindle Edition retailing for $3.95 can’t compete with those featured for $.99 or Free.
2 – I am kicking myself for having paid the $35 fee to join a local author guild this past February. I chose to do so because I felt an organization of this scope would have more clout in procuring book signings on my turf. They do—to the tune of signing up for lottery drawings based on the number of available tables, and then paying $25 if your name is chosen. From past experience in having booked solo library author events on my own, as well as a group library signing without paying a fee—I’ve often left the premises without a single book sale. It’s cost prohibitive for me to sacrifice money and time on a gamble.
Nyuk, nyuk—I did indicate that I’m going to the upcoming 5th Annual Rhode Island Author Expo 2017 in December. Admission is free! On second thought, the annual fee might be worth it in the long run.
Regardless, I have second thoughts about attending the monthly meetings which are held late in the evening at a location requiring considerable travel in darkness through an area I’m not familiar with. I don’t go out on a limb to put myself in harm’s way.
There are days I have second thoughts, questioning my own sanity for biting off more than I can chew. Primarily, trying to achieve the noble goal of wading through my TBR pile to read/review books written by fellow Indies. So much temptation to acquire even more too!
On second thought, my life has been immensely enriched by all of the diverse Indie books I’ve read and have yet to open during the remains of the day. No doubt about it, whatsoever!
Hindsight with foresight pertaining to marketing strategies from the perspective of “been there, done that”!
March 24, 2017
I Might Be a Rogue-Neck Author!
Whether through reluctance or mostly flat-out refusal, I’ve drawn my lines in the sand on social media for increasing the odds of selling my books—particularly my second novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche’.
1 – I refuse to open a Twitter or Instagram account.
2 – I am reluctant to set up a new author Facebook page, having already invested considerable time and energy setting one up in ( July 2016), prepping for my second novel’s launch date in September. Just when I had momentum going for me, I was locked out of my account. Rather than swim against the tide and still get towed under, I’ve moved on. My personal timeline suits me just fine since most of my friends are authors who share similar news and interests.
3 – I refuse to set up an author website. Since I don’t engage in copious freelance writing for magazines where my own unique, standalone link might entice readers to click, peruse, and check out my featured books—it’s not happening!
4- I refuse to write a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly newsletter and ask people to subscribe to it—preferably through one’s own website.
*Here’s what I do have going for me, and I can’t even vouch for its effectiveness, although I am extremely grateful for every click registered on my counters, which I check at least twice daily:
I have my own Gold Membership web page on Authors Den where I let it all hang out: (117 Memoirs; 69 Articles - Retro 60s Flashbacks & Rhode Reads; 8 News Items; 101 Blogs; front & center links to my novels). Due to having celebrated writing my 100th Blog last week—Eva’s Byte #100: Centennial Cerebration Celebration, for nostalgia sake, each day this week, I shared one of my Retro Blogs. As of March 24th, 5:45 A.M. EST – my Blog section alone had 814 clicks for the period starting on the 17th.
I also noted that my books get at least 1-2 hits per day.
Again, I have no idea how any of this translates to actual book sales, but my rambles are generating interest. My stories consistently make the Top 20 List for “Popular Memoir Stories” …
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
5 – Due to the conundrum that I’m a self-published author who is independently published, my Kindle Edition will never be free or $.99 for a limited time at Amazon. Retailing at the self-appointed price of $3.95—I’d refuse to sell it for less anyway!
With all due respect for every Indie author’s valiant efforts to market and promote, may each of us rise above the ashes of obscurity in our own way.
1 – I refuse to open a Twitter or Instagram account.
2 – I am reluctant to set up a new author Facebook page, having already invested considerable time and energy setting one up in ( July 2016), prepping for my second novel’s launch date in September. Just when I had momentum going for me, I was locked out of my account. Rather than swim against the tide and still get towed under, I’ve moved on. My personal timeline suits me just fine since most of my friends are authors who share similar news and interests.
3 – I refuse to set up an author website. Since I don’t engage in copious freelance writing for magazines where my own unique, standalone link might entice readers to click, peruse, and check out my featured books—it’s not happening!
4- I refuse to write a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly newsletter and ask people to subscribe to it—preferably through one’s own website.
*Here’s what I do have going for me, and I can’t even vouch for its effectiveness, although I am extremely grateful for every click registered on my counters, which I check at least twice daily:
I have my own Gold Membership web page on Authors Den where I let it all hang out: (117 Memoirs; 69 Articles - Retro 60s Flashbacks & Rhode Reads; 8 News Items; 101 Blogs; front & center links to my novels). Due to having celebrated writing my 100th Blog last week—Eva’s Byte #100: Centennial Cerebration Celebration, for nostalgia sake, each day this week, I shared one of my Retro Blogs. As of March 24th, 5:45 A.M. EST – my Blog section alone had 814 clicks for the period starting on the 17th.
I also noted that my books get at least 1-2 hits per day.
Again, I have no idea how any of this translates to actual book sales, but my rambles are generating interest. My stories consistently make the Top 20 List for “Popular Memoir Stories” …
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
5 – Due to the conundrum that I’m a self-published author who is independently published, my Kindle Edition will never be free or $.99 for a limited time at Amazon. Retailing at the self-appointed price of $3.95—I’d refuse to sell it for less anyway!
With all due respect for every Indie author’s valiant efforts to market and promote, may each of us rise above the ashes of obscurity in our own way.
March 17, 2017
Centennial Cerebration Celebration!
Approaching the FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY on March 31st, 6:00 PM EST, I submitted my manuscript in the genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction—AN ENLIGHTENING QUICHE, for publication (Paperback – August 22, 2016; eBook – September 20, 2016). A milestone culminating an arduous journey spanning eight years! (#49)
Henceforth, all of my Blogs (Eva’s Bytes) numbered from 49 to 100, and futuristically upward and onward, pertain to my life as an Indie author. What an ongoing emotional roller coaster ride it has been with plot twists and turns regurgitated candidly in each and every forthcoming weekly blog:
Anticipation and anxiety; elation and despair; breakthrough and setback; expectation and disappointment; self-regard and crestfallenness …
And, away we go on the Indie author ride where journey takes precedence over destination in the quest to acquire readers. For my Centennial Cerebration Celebration, I’ll be sharing three Blog snippets of significance in chronological sequence. As Bette Davis, in character, portraying Margo Channing, forewarned in a scene from the film, ‘All About Eve’—“Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night!”
Thank you for scrolling back through time with me!
#74 - Setting Up Shop:
Finally! Both the Paperback and Kindle Edition formats for my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel have merged on my Amazon Book Page. Here is the “universal link”: http://mybook.to/AnEQuiche
Remember, you can create one universal link for your book that works for all Amazon stores.
If you sign in to Booklinker and click “Manage Links,” you can see how many times your link has been clicked and where: http://www.booklinker.net/
*#79 – Tribute to the Indie Fabs:
One for all, all for one!”
This mantra sums up the spirit for a close-knit group of authors who stick together in comradery despite writing in different genres: Aliya DalRae, R.M. Gauthier, J.B. Richards, Lyra Shanti, Joanne Van Leerdam, and yours truly!
“Huzzah!” frequently pops up in our comments when such an ebullient outburst is called for.
We’re also of the mindset that most Indie authors collaborate with, rather than compete against one another. Therefore, we wholeheartedly endorse the buddy system, and encourage other authors to set up their own sanctuary for likeminded individuals who will be with you through the thick and thin of writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and whatever life happens to toss at you.
#90 – Adversity:
Having prefaced this blog about ADVERSITY, I’ll wrap it up by including an excerpt on the subject, gleaned from an author interview conducted by Ty Findlay, and posted on Facebook 01/11:
What was your greatest adversity?
The first adversity affecting the writing process occurred during the drafting of my second novel which I had begun while awaiting publication of my debut novel. I’ll define this adversity as an “occupational hazard” of a newbie Indie author discovering I had to market and promote my first novel. So, having written three chapters for the second, I set the manuscript aside, fully intending to get back to it—soon!
Punching a time card in 2008, I began binge writing my way out of obscurity by adding dimension to the art of storytelling. Having grown up in the Sixties, I drew upon those experiences to compose my first Memoir, “A Mini Tribute” (to Twiggy), and submitted it for publication at ‘The Sixties Official Site.’ When the webmaster graciously invited me to write more, and offered to set up my own page there, I eagerly accepted and turned out a Memoir every week for approximately two years, totalling100. I then composed over two dozen “Retro 60s Flashbacks” to add to my repertoire at “The Sixties with Eva Pasco” page. Far out! Celebrating ten years on the web, earning the accolade, “Baby Boomer’s Top Choice Sixties Website,” I’m proud to be an integral part.
In conjunction with the setting of Rhode Island in my first novel as well as the second I had put aside—‘An Enlightening Quiche’—it inspired me to write ezine articles on glorifying my state’s classic foods, historic landmarks, tourist attractions, and cultural idiosyncrasies. Each essay posted for posterity at Authors Den is prefaced with “Rhode Read.”
Between all of this writing frenzy and marketing the first novel, the manuscript lay dormant.
However, I’ll define the greatest adversities coming around the bend as “life’s hairpin turns” which I elaborate on in the interview.
http://tinyurl.com/hstwm8v
As the one-year Anniversary for submitting my manuscript for publication approaches, I’m proud to share these accolades my novel has merited thus far:
Underground Book Reviews "Perfect Pitch Pick": http://ow.ly/DPW2305IZRM
5-Stars from Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review: http://tinyurl.com/j3na3h4
Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal: http://tinyurl.com/zhapjmc
2017 Fiction Finalist & 5-Star Badge from ATAI (Authors Talk About It): http://tinyurl.com/jgxsa42
2 of 9 Current Goodreads/Listopia Ranks:
1st out of 17 Books (Must Reads by New Authors)
1st out of 75 Books (Books Set in Rhode Island)
https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/3...
Wending one’s way through the thick and thin of bright or dim prospects—opting to become an Indie author is not for the faint of heart!
Henceforth, all of my Blogs (Eva’s Bytes) numbered from 49 to 100, and futuristically upward and onward, pertain to my life as an Indie author. What an ongoing emotional roller coaster ride it has been with plot twists and turns regurgitated candidly in each and every forthcoming weekly blog:
Anticipation and anxiety; elation and despair; breakthrough and setback; expectation and disappointment; self-regard and crestfallenness …
And, away we go on the Indie author ride where journey takes precedence over destination in the quest to acquire readers. For my Centennial Cerebration Celebration, I’ll be sharing three Blog snippets of significance in chronological sequence. As Bette Davis, in character, portraying Margo Channing, forewarned in a scene from the film, ‘All About Eve’—“Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night!”
Thank you for scrolling back through time with me!
#74 - Setting Up Shop:
Finally! Both the Paperback and Kindle Edition formats for my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel have merged on my Amazon Book Page. Here is the “universal link”: http://mybook.to/AnEQuiche
Remember, you can create one universal link for your book that works for all Amazon stores.
If you sign in to Booklinker and click “Manage Links,” you can see how many times your link has been clicked and where: http://www.booklinker.net/
*#79 – Tribute to the Indie Fabs:
One for all, all for one!”
This mantra sums up the spirit for a close-knit group of authors who stick together in comradery despite writing in different genres: Aliya DalRae, R.M. Gauthier, J.B. Richards, Lyra Shanti, Joanne Van Leerdam, and yours truly!
“Huzzah!” frequently pops up in our comments when such an ebullient outburst is called for.
We’re also of the mindset that most Indie authors collaborate with, rather than compete against one another. Therefore, we wholeheartedly endorse the buddy system, and encourage other authors to set up their own sanctuary for likeminded individuals who will be with you through the thick and thin of writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and whatever life happens to toss at you.
#90 – Adversity:
Having prefaced this blog about ADVERSITY, I’ll wrap it up by including an excerpt on the subject, gleaned from an author interview conducted by Ty Findlay, and posted on Facebook 01/11:
What was your greatest adversity?
The first adversity affecting the writing process occurred during the drafting of my second novel which I had begun while awaiting publication of my debut novel. I’ll define this adversity as an “occupational hazard” of a newbie Indie author discovering I had to market and promote my first novel. So, having written three chapters for the second, I set the manuscript aside, fully intending to get back to it—soon!
Punching a time card in 2008, I began binge writing my way out of obscurity by adding dimension to the art of storytelling. Having grown up in the Sixties, I drew upon those experiences to compose my first Memoir, “A Mini Tribute” (to Twiggy), and submitted it for publication at ‘The Sixties Official Site.’ When the webmaster graciously invited me to write more, and offered to set up my own page there, I eagerly accepted and turned out a Memoir every week for approximately two years, totalling100. I then composed over two dozen “Retro 60s Flashbacks” to add to my repertoire at “The Sixties with Eva Pasco” page. Far out! Celebrating ten years on the web, earning the accolade, “Baby Boomer’s Top Choice Sixties Website,” I’m proud to be an integral part.
In conjunction with the setting of Rhode Island in my first novel as well as the second I had put aside—‘An Enlightening Quiche’—it inspired me to write ezine articles on glorifying my state’s classic foods, historic landmarks, tourist attractions, and cultural idiosyncrasies. Each essay posted for posterity at Authors Den is prefaced with “Rhode Read.”
Between all of this writing frenzy and marketing the first novel, the manuscript lay dormant.
However, I’ll define the greatest adversities coming around the bend as “life’s hairpin turns” which I elaborate on in the interview.
http://tinyurl.com/hstwm8v
As the one-year Anniversary for submitting my manuscript for publication approaches, I’m proud to share these accolades my novel has merited thus far:
Underground Book Reviews "Perfect Pitch Pick": http://ow.ly/DPW2305IZRM
5-Stars from Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review: http://tinyurl.com/j3na3h4
Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal: http://tinyurl.com/zhapjmc
2017 Fiction Finalist & 5-Star Badge from ATAI (Authors Talk About It): http://tinyurl.com/jgxsa42
2 of 9 Current Goodreads/Listopia Ranks:
1st out of 17 Books (Must Reads by New Authors)
1st out of 75 Books (Books Set in Rhode Island)
https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/3...
Wending one’s way through the thick and thin of bright or dim prospects—opting to become an Indie author is not for the faint of heart!
March 10, 2017
Perks in the Works!
While I have shared plenty of pitfalls in my life as an Indie author, this week has piled on the perks for my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, AN ENLIGHTENING QUICHE:
1 - My novel merited a 5-Star Badge from ATAI, signifying it was a finalist in their 2017 Book Award Contest for the category of Fiction. Accompanying the notification I received, was this statement - "And, please note that we take great pride in the fact that it is certainly not easy to earn 4 or 5 stars from our team."
BOOK REVIEW:
http://authorstalkaboutit.com/enlight...
2 – I have registered for the first Navigating Indieworld event scheduled for March 27, 28, and 29.
3 – Count me in for the “Brain to Books Cyber Convention and Book Expo 2017 hosted entirely online on April 7, 8, and 9. I’ve registered for the Book Expo, Author Showcase, and Genre Blog Tour. I’m eager to work on getting my cyber booth in shape for the epic event.
4- Taking a dry run to the Lincoln Senior Center and dropping off a book poster and flyer in preparation for my book signing on Monday, March 13th—I did a double take! Arriving on the grounds, I thought I was at a resort in the Catskills! The modern, sprawling building reminded me of a ski lodge. I had to scout for an available parking spot in a vast area. Meanwhile, people were disembarking from buses loitering by the main entrance. When I followed on their heels to get inside, the posh waiting area bustled with seniors. During my brief acquaintance with the director at the front desk, who assured me there would be people in attendance at my event scheduled for 10:00 AM, I walked out of there with a spring in my step.
Thus far, this entails my last local author event since I embarked on a whirlwind book signing tour throughout Rhode Island commencing in January. I hope citizens in my hometown show their support by snaring an autographed/personalized copy of my novel which takes place in my neck of the woods. That would be something worth writing home about!
An Enlightening Quiche
1 - My novel merited a 5-Star Badge from ATAI, signifying it was a finalist in their 2017 Book Award Contest for the category of Fiction. Accompanying the notification I received, was this statement - "And, please note that we take great pride in the fact that it is certainly not easy to earn 4 or 5 stars from our team."
BOOK REVIEW:
http://authorstalkaboutit.com/enlight...
2 – I have registered for the first Navigating Indieworld event scheduled for March 27, 28, and 29.
3 – Count me in for the “Brain to Books Cyber Convention and Book Expo 2017 hosted entirely online on April 7, 8, and 9. I’ve registered for the Book Expo, Author Showcase, and Genre Blog Tour. I’m eager to work on getting my cyber booth in shape for the epic event.
4- Taking a dry run to the Lincoln Senior Center and dropping off a book poster and flyer in preparation for my book signing on Monday, March 13th—I did a double take! Arriving on the grounds, I thought I was at a resort in the Catskills! The modern, sprawling building reminded me of a ski lodge. I had to scout for an available parking spot in a vast area. Meanwhile, people were disembarking from buses loitering by the main entrance. When I followed on their heels to get inside, the posh waiting area bustled with seniors. During my brief acquaintance with the director at the front desk, who assured me there would be people in attendance at my event scheduled for 10:00 AM, I walked out of there with a spring in my step.
Thus far, this entails my last local author event since I embarked on a whirlwind book signing tour throughout Rhode Island commencing in January. I hope citizens in my hometown show their support by snaring an autographed/personalized copy of my novel which takes place in my neck of the woods. That would be something worth writing home about!
An Enlightening Quiche
March 3, 2017
Bottom Lines!
Before I get to the bottom lines of an Indie author’s struggles to sell books—and I’m talkin’ strictly the Kindle Edition on Amazon—I’ll accent the positive.
My Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ merited three more 5-Star Reviews at Amazon this week, for a total of 18 customer reviews since its release:
http://tinyurl.com/h4jdwbn
http://tinyurl.com/jfv9a8r
http://tinyurl.com/zsmjv4t
Backing up a bit: During the 2nd week of February, I received my first royalty check representing eBook sales for September 2016. Since the Kindle Edition priced at $3.95 (361 pages) was launched on Sept. 20th, a stipend exceeding twenty bucks for a span of ten days is none too shabby!
Bottom lines:
1 -Because I opted to publish my print and eBook with a POD self-publishing company, I’m not privy to detailed daily sales reports at Amazon. However, I do check my “universal link” at BookLinker on a daily basis to access statistics on how many clicks my link generated.
http://www.booklinker.net/
2- I am not at liberty to set up Kindle Countdown Deals-- time-bound promotional discounting for my book, or Free Book Promotion where readers worldwide can get my book free for a limited time. This has severely limited my choice of free/paid online promotional venues and has hampered results. My eBook priced at $3.95 cannot compete with those books in my genre that are free or $.99!
On March 1st, my ad went live on The Fussy Librarian newsletter. My universal link got 2 hits! There is no incentive for me to solicit future paid promos.
3 – On 03/02, I finally received a royalty report covering Kindle Edition sales for the months of October, November, and December. Pathetically, I sold 5 eBooks and earned a pitiful royalty of $1.58 per copy!
If and when I publish a third novel, it behooves me to choose Amazon and Createspace so I can better my bottom lines—and view them!
My Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ merited three more 5-Star Reviews at Amazon this week, for a total of 18 customer reviews since its release:
http://tinyurl.com/h4jdwbn
http://tinyurl.com/jfv9a8r
http://tinyurl.com/zsmjv4t
Backing up a bit: During the 2nd week of February, I received my first royalty check representing eBook sales for September 2016. Since the Kindle Edition priced at $3.95 (361 pages) was launched on Sept. 20th, a stipend exceeding twenty bucks for a span of ten days is none too shabby!
Bottom lines:
1 -Because I opted to publish my print and eBook with a POD self-publishing company, I’m not privy to detailed daily sales reports at Amazon. However, I do check my “universal link” at BookLinker on a daily basis to access statistics on how many clicks my link generated.
http://www.booklinker.net/
2- I am not at liberty to set up Kindle Countdown Deals-- time-bound promotional discounting for my book, or Free Book Promotion where readers worldwide can get my book free for a limited time. This has severely limited my choice of free/paid online promotional venues and has hampered results. My eBook priced at $3.95 cannot compete with those books in my genre that are free or $.99!
On March 1st, my ad went live on The Fussy Librarian newsletter. My universal link got 2 hits! There is no incentive for me to solicit future paid promos.
3 – On 03/02, I finally received a royalty report covering Kindle Edition sales for the months of October, November, and December. Pathetically, I sold 5 eBooks and earned a pitiful royalty of $1.58 per copy!
If and when I publish a third novel, it behooves me to choose Amazon and Createspace so I can better my bottom lines—and view them!
February 24, 2017
Out like a Lamb!
In contrast to the old adage, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” my ground efforts as an Indie author to increase territorial readership on local soil will have fizzled by the onset of March. Whereas, I plundered like a lion when the New Year approached, having procured 7 solo library book signing events and 2 group author events—with a couple more tentative holds in Spring. For all intents and purposes, I’ll undertake my last booking at North Providence Public Library on Saturday, February 25th.
Having gone out on a limb to land these events, I’m going out like a lamb rather than resume stretching myself thin for poor attendance and meager book sales. However, throwing caution to the wind enabled me to discover that several library patrons across the state of Rhode Island, are signing out my gifted autographed copy along with others purchased by the libraries. While I consider it an honor to host these events, and I’m very grateful for the two books I sold in total, foraging like a lion for morsels has not been one of my most lucrative ventures.
In the meantime:
1 - Copies of my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ will make their debut in swag bags for the 2017 Spirit Awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. The ceremony goes live on IFC, February 25 at 2P/5E. Here’s hoping my story sparks “reel” interest!
https://www.filmindependent.org/spiri...
*I have proof that my books arrived in Los Angeles for the occasion, courtesy of my wonderful author support group at Goodreads, “Navigating Indie World Discussing All Things Indie”. My book is no. 21 in the first photo. Scroll down to the last photo and you’ll find one in the center of the work bench.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
2 – Looking forward to attending my first meeting since I recently joined ARIA (Association of Rhode Island Authors), I’m game for participating in more group author events at the local level, regardless of no guarantees.
3 – It’s time for me to invest my energy in tracking down both free and paid promo venues for the Kindle Edition of my novel.
Although I’m going out like a lamb, I won’t be putting myself out to pasture any time soon!
Having gone out on a limb to land these events, I’m going out like a lamb rather than resume stretching myself thin for poor attendance and meager book sales. However, throwing caution to the wind enabled me to discover that several library patrons across the state of Rhode Island, are signing out my gifted autographed copy along with others purchased by the libraries. While I consider it an honor to host these events, and I’m very grateful for the two books I sold in total, foraging like a lion for morsels has not been one of my most lucrative ventures.
In the meantime:
1 - Copies of my Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ will make their debut in swag bags for the 2017 Spirit Awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. The ceremony goes live on IFC, February 25 at 2P/5E. Here’s hoping my story sparks “reel” interest!
https://www.filmindependent.org/spiri...
*I have proof that my books arrived in Los Angeles for the occasion, courtesy of my wonderful author support group at Goodreads, “Navigating Indie World Discussing All Things Indie”. My book is no. 21 in the first photo. Scroll down to the last photo and you’ll find one in the center of the work bench.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
2 – Looking forward to attending my first meeting since I recently joined ARIA (Association of Rhode Island Authors), I’m game for participating in more group author events at the local level, regardless of no guarantees.
3 – It’s time for me to invest my energy in tracking down both free and paid promo venues for the Kindle Edition of my novel.
Although I’m going out like a lamb, I won’t be putting myself out to pasture any time soon!
February 17, 2017
Que Sera, Sera!
Ever since my second novel was published in August 2016
I’ve pondered--
Will I be successful, will I be rich?
Here’s what I’ve replied to me:
Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be,
The future's not mine to see,
Que Sera, Que Sera
*A slight departure from Doris Day’s song, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be)”; 1956.
Writing this blog in real time, the future’s not mine to see if anyone will show up to my upcoming book discussion and signing held from 6:30 – 7:30 PM on February 16th at George Hail Free Library in Warren, Rhode Island. According to statistics indicated on the Facebook event post, I’m the only one planning to attend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/18241...
I’ve learned to dismiss these “popularity polls” because inflated figures can literally amount to no one arriving. Or, a few might attend without having registered their intention. When you’re an unknown Indie, it’s anyone’s guess for how an author event will turn out. Thus far, I’ve had 2 out of 4 no shows.
Que sera, sera—I’ll report after the event in real time, just prior to publishing my weekly blog on Friday:
8:05 PM, 02/16: Let me preface my author event synopsis by stating that no matter how dismal the attendance, I always leave richer than when I arrived. It never has nothing to do with dollars and cents.
This evening one woman arrived at 5:45 PM, well in advance of my scheduled appearance 45 minutes later. She shared how difficult it was navigating the snow-covered sidewalks which hadn’t been plowed or shoveled since last Friday’s blizzard. When I asked my guest if she lived nearby, she replied that she didn’t. Then, it hit me! This woman took a bus to attend my event and would ride one again for her return home!
Before the librarian wrapped up the evening, she informed me that my gifted copy, plus others ordered, are all signed out. This same scenario has played itself out in other libraries too! Prior to heading out, my solo guest added her name to the list.
Honored and humbled, I left George Hail Free Library very appreciative of one earth angel in attendance.
Whatever will be—for me, it’s never been about monetary gain from the speculative venture of publishing a written work of 550 pages. However, everything I do in the guise of marketing and promoting is driven by my quest for success.
Therefore, whether prudent or foolish, I’ll continue to make public appearances even if I’m the only elephant in the room.
I’ve pondered--
Will I be successful, will I be rich?
Here’s what I’ve replied to me:
Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be,
The future's not mine to see,
Que Sera, Que Sera
*A slight departure from Doris Day’s song, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be)”; 1956.
Writing this blog in real time, the future’s not mine to see if anyone will show up to my upcoming book discussion and signing held from 6:30 – 7:30 PM on February 16th at George Hail Free Library in Warren, Rhode Island. According to statistics indicated on the Facebook event post, I’m the only one planning to attend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/18241...
I’ve learned to dismiss these “popularity polls” because inflated figures can literally amount to no one arriving. Or, a few might attend without having registered their intention. When you’re an unknown Indie, it’s anyone’s guess for how an author event will turn out. Thus far, I’ve had 2 out of 4 no shows.
Que sera, sera—I’ll report after the event in real time, just prior to publishing my weekly blog on Friday:
8:05 PM, 02/16: Let me preface my author event synopsis by stating that no matter how dismal the attendance, I always leave richer than when I arrived. It never has nothing to do with dollars and cents.
This evening one woman arrived at 5:45 PM, well in advance of my scheduled appearance 45 minutes later. She shared how difficult it was navigating the snow-covered sidewalks which hadn’t been plowed or shoveled since last Friday’s blizzard. When I asked my guest if she lived nearby, she replied that she didn’t. Then, it hit me! This woman took a bus to attend my event and would ride one again for her return home!
Before the librarian wrapped up the evening, she informed me that my gifted copy, plus others ordered, are all signed out. This same scenario has played itself out in other libraries too! Prior to heading out, my solo guest added her name to the list.
Honored and humbled, I left George Hail Free Library very appreciative of one earth angel in attendance.
Whatever will be—for me, it’s never been about monetary gain from the speculative venture of publishing a written work of 550 pages. However, everything I do in the guise of marketing and promoting is driven by my quest for success.
Therefore, whether prudent or foolish, I’ll continue to make public appearances even if I’m the only elephant in the room.
